It's not every day that a marimba and a string quartet get together, but in August that's exactly what will happen when the New Zealand String Quartet hook-up with Pedro Carneiro, Portuguese percussionist extraordinaire, for a tour throughout the country.It's not every day that a marimba and a string quartet get together, but in August that's exactly what will happen when the New Zealand String Quartet hook-up with Pedro Carneiro, Portuguese percussionist extraordinaire, for a tour throughout the country.Acclaimed for their powerful communication, dramatic energy, and beauty of sound, the NZSQ are deeply committed to New Zealand music and have premiered more than 20 works by New Zealand composers. They also regularly collaborate with a range of internationally renowned artists, such as violists Hariolf Schlichtig and Nabuko Imai.

For this tour they are joined onstage by Pedro Carneiro, pre-eminent Portuguese marimba player and percussionist. Pedro enjoys a busy career as a performer, composer and teacher, and has established himself as one of the world's foremost solo percussionists.

Within the programme contrasts and drama abound as a string quartet by Beethoven sits alongside works for quartet and marimba.

In New Plymouth, the NZSQ and Pedro Carneiro appear as part of the Taranaki Arts Festival; while in Christchurch they appear as part of the Christchurch Arts Festival.

New Plymouth
Part of the Taranaki Arts Festival
When: 8 August, 6pm
Where: Theatre Royal, TSB Showplace
Bookings: Ticketek, ph (06) 759 0021

Christchurch
Part of the Christchurch Arts Festival
When: 10 August, 8pm
Where: James Hay Theatre
Bookings: Ticketek, ph (03) 377 8899

Dunedin
When: 13 August, 8pm
Where: Glenroy Auditorium
Bookings: Ticketek, ph (03) 477 8597

Invercargill
When: 14 August, 8pm
Where: The Victoria Room, Civic Theatre
Bookings: TicketDirect, ph (03) 211 1692

Nelson
When: 16 August, 8pm
Where: Nelson School of Music
Bookings: NSOM, ph (03) 548 9477

Napier
When: 18 August, 8pm
Where: Century Theatre
Bookings: Century Theatre, ph (06) 835 7781

Auckland
When: 20 August, 8pm
Where: Auckland Town Hall
Bookings: Ticketek, ph (09) 307 5000

Hamilton
When: 21 August, 8pm
Where: Wel Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato Bookings: TicketDirect, ph (07) 858 5100 or 0800 383 5200

Palmerston North
When: 23 August, 8pm
Where: Regent on Broadway
Bookings: TicketDirect, ph (06) 357 9740 of 0800 4TICKET (484 253)

Wellington
When: 25 August, 8pm
Where: Wellington Town Hall
Bookings: Book at Ticketek, ph (03) 384 3840

Ticket prices vary from $35-$50 plus service or booking fees. Contact box office for local details. $15 Student Rush available on the day at all centres.

10/7/07

Image: Pedro Carneiro, Portuguese percussionist extraordinaire.